Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan: Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA): Results

Key Findings

The EQIA undertaken for the Action Plan identified positive outcomes for equalities groups, with a greater impact on some groups than others.

Age

The EQIA identified positive impacts of the Action Plan on people based on age. By supporting the delivery of affordable housing in remote, rural and island areas, where there is significantly more market failure than in urban areas, the Action Plan will advance equality of opportunity by supporting younger people to remain in their communities, rather than force them to move to urban areas. This will help stem de-population in pressured areas.

Greater provision of affordable housing will also benefit older people by adding diversity to the housing stock. There will be more adaptable housing available to meet older people’s housing needs where identified in Local Housing Strategies and Strategic Housing Investment Plans, as well as greater energy efficiency, which will reduce fuel poverty in rural and island areas.

Disability

The EQIA identified positive impacts of the Action Plan on people based on disability. The Action Plan will deliver more affordable housing in remote, rural and island areas, thus further encouraging Local Authorities to invest in adaptable housing to meet the needs of their disabled residents, where need is identified in Local Housing Strategies and Strategic Housing Investment Plans. New or improved housing stock delivery through the affordable homes target will meet current building standards, housing conditions and energy efficiency standards. These standards ensure a level of future-proofing within the affordable housing sector, ensuring that homes can be more easily adapted to meet individuals’ current and future needs.

Sex

The EQIA identified that there will be minimal impact on individuals based on sex. More men tend to be homeowners than women. Women make up 92% of lone parents and tend to rely more on social security to meet housing costs than men. Men are much more likely to experience rough sleeping, however women are more likely to experience ‘hidden homelessness’ and have multiple occasions of moving in and out of homeless services over prolonged periods. Any impact based on sex will be positive, arising from greater provision of affordable housing and a better ability to meet housing needs locally.

Gender reassignment

The EQIA identified that there will be minimal impact on individuals based on gender reassignment. One in four transgender individuals have experienced homelessness and transgender individuals often face harassment and negative treatment when accessing housing services, particularly when those services are gendered. Any impact of the Action Plan will be positive, arising from greater provision of affordable housing. This will allow transgender individuals in remote, rural and island communities to better meet their housing needs locally. Increased support for community-led development and principles will promote better relations between equality groups.

Sexual orientation

The EQIA identified that there will be minimal impact on individuals based on sexual orientation. Any impact will be positive, arising from greater provision of affordable housing. Increased support for community-led development and place-based living principles will promote better relations between equality groups.

Race

The EQIA identified that there will be some positive impact on individuals based on race. Any increase in provision of affordable housing is likely to have a positive effect on people who would otherwise struggle to meet their housing needs. Ethnic minorities often struggle to meet their housing needs and often face discrimination in the private sector. Ethnic minorities are more likely to experience poverty and to be in less secure, lower paid work. Certain ethnic minorities have certain housing needs, often living inter-generationally. Increased support for community-led development and place-based living principles will promote better relations between equality groups.

Religion or belief

The EQIA identified that there will be minimal impact on individuals based on religion or belief. Any impact will be positive, arising from greater provision of affordable housing and increased community-led development and place-based living principles.